7.27.2011

2. to move in a slow, idle manner, making purposeless stops in the course of a trip, journey, errand, etc.

3. to waste time or dawdle over work.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.- Proverbs 27:12

All over the world, cities are increasing in wickedness. It is becoming more and more evident that those who remain in them unnecessarily do so at the peril of their soul's salvation. On every hand are the sights and sounds of evil. Everywhere are enticements to sensuality and dissipation. The tide of corruption and crime is continually swelling. Every day brings the record of violence, --abuse, murders, suicides, and crimes unnamable.

It seems like more than ever, life itself is more false and artificial. The intense passion for making money. The whirl of excitement and pleasure-seeking. The thirst for display. The luxury and extravagance. All these are forces that are turning the mind from life's true purpose. They are opening the door to a thousand evils.

Before we are relieved of such perilous conditions here on earth, the Lord calls upon us to prepare ourselves and to extend help to others.

The angels of mercy hurried Lot and his wife and daughters by taking hold of their hands. Had Lot hastened as the Lord desired him to, his wife would not have become a pillar of salt. Lot had too much of a lingering spirit. Let us not be like him. The same voice that warned Lot to leave Sodom, bids us, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean." Those who obey this warning will find a refuge. Let everyone be wide awake for themselves. Let us gird ourselves for the work. God will reveal from point to point what to do next.

Lot trod the plain with unwilling and tardy steps. He had so long associated with evil workers that he could not see his peril until his wife stood on the plain a pillar of salt forever.

We have been given a Great Commission. We are currently in the intermission between God's accomplishment of redemption and His return to consummate His blessings. However, this intermission is not a time for loitering in the lobby as consumers. This is a time for urgent action. A time of activity. A time of loving and serving those that we come in contact with.

In society, loitering is a crime. Businesses post multiple signs to deter people from idly taking up space. Once one stops to waste time there, others stop to dawdle as well. If we do not develop a sense of urgency or a drive to work, we become spiritual loiterers. Sooner or later, our lackadaisical spirit begins to influence others around us until there are no workers...only bystanders.

Luke 6:46 says, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do the things which I say?"

7.20.2011

Growing up in small town Texas, surrounded by acres of farmland & night skies larger than life, I thought I would never enjoy such a high-energy metropolis. My belief was that I could never love "the city" as much as I did the complete calm and relaxation of the country.

I was wrong.

In all honesty, my first visit to San Francisco was a bit overwhelming. The mister, in his trademarked southern drawl, said, "Let's just drive around and check it out."

Of course, anyone who has ever driven there knows that it's not that easy. Especially when you're not from some other booming U.S. city. But, off we went.

As we drove down the Embarcadero, I felt the excitement of seeing the bay and the hustle & bustle on the pier. Traffic was a little more than what we were used to, but that was expected. It was as he turned and traveled away from the bay, that I realized how close everything looked. Not just close, but CLOSE. Cars zipping by. Pedestrians walking out in the street. Buildings towering over us so that I could see the top from our car.

Yes, things were VERY close.

Disclaimer: I think I trust the mister's driving. However, I do not trust it enough to hide my fear of his habitual slamming of the brakes & ability to be easily distracted.

The fear I mentioned above was amplified multiple times due to the factors surrounding us. I believe this was the moment I might have freaked out a little. Looking back, I'm sure that my reaction to our current situation could have in no way improved the mister's driving skills. On the contrary, I'm sure it made him a nervous wreck right along with me.

So, here we are: Two little podunk Southerners from Northeast Texas, trying to drive our happy little selves through the second-most densely populated large city in the United States. All the while, I am realizing that I might be just a wee bit claustrophobic. Get the picture?

Poor mister.

Since then, I have thankfully grown accustom to San Francisco. More than that, I actually love it there. I am closer than ever to understanding why Tony Bennett belted out, "I left my heart in San Francisco."

I'm past the tourism phase & now have my favorite haunts. This weekend I visited some of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. I recommend that anyone spending any amount of time there, stop by. Our day included lunch at Steps of Rome in Little Italy, the divine chocolate macaroons of awesomeness at Eastern Bakery in Chinatown & shopping on Powell St. Of course, I have photos to capture my day's activities:

Best Italian Restaurant! NOM!

Jeni's latte.

The mister surprised me with flowers at lunch. *swoon*

My love. <3

The mister's spinach gnocchi.

Jeni's pumpkin ravioli.

My panini.

Jo & Jeni's tiramisu.

Emily's cannoli.

The mister's dessert.

Brendan's lemon dessert.

A hollowed-out, frozen peach (once) filled with peach sorbetto.

Home of the most amazing chocolate macaroons on earth!

My beautiful friend, Emily.

The Dodd Squad.

Emily & I...."converse-ing".

Thanks to my friends for making it such a great day: The mister, Brendan, Jo, Jeni, Emily & Kristen. Love you guys!

"I left my heart in San FranciscoHigh on a hill, it calls to me.To be where little cable carsClimb halfway to the stars!The morning fog may chill the airI don't care!My love waits there in San FranciscoAbove the blue and windy seaWhen I come home to you, San Francisco,Your golden sun will shine for me!"

7.05.2011

I know most of you have been influenced by someone to read "The 5 Love Languages," or at least to take the quiz. I, too, have been bitten by that bug. However, I have yet to find the "friendship love language" test. I can honestly say that my marriage love language & my friendship love language is completely different. In my marriage, my love languages are words of affirmation & touch. In friendship? Teasing. I know that isn't exactly the most positive expression of love, but it's me. Because of this quality, I have been known to recite a friendship disclaimer to newcomers. If you haven't heard it yet, you should be educated so as to not offend you in the future.It usually goes something like this:

"Ok. If we're going to close friends, you should be aware of something. I tend to show affection through sarcasm and teasing. If I really meant the things I say, I wouldn't be saying them. Honestly, I like to avoid confrontation. So, don't be offended or take me seriously. If I give you a hard time, it means I like you. If I offend you, please tell me so I can correct it. Deal?"

Speaking of friends, I have awesome ones. My 4th of July weekend was amazing because of them! My white self spent a LOT of time at the lake with my girlies. Thank the good Lord for sunshine! Lake time, BBQ, friends & fireworks = awesome sauce. Here are a few of my favorite pics from this weekend.

Our local pyrotechnician -- Brian.

My girlies :]

The River Rats.

Maui Waui's at Cruisers. Yum!

Now, my skin is recuperating from all the sun. The tomato face is now a nice tan. I just need a nap and I'll be good.

4.26.2011

Saturday was yet another day to run away to the big city for some fun with my friends. I’ve found that any trip with my friend, Cressie, includes multiple stops for yummy food. She has the ability to sniff out a bakery anywhere. She’s bad for me. So, so bad.

First stop? Chinatown for a tea tasting.

Every time we’re in Chinatown, this place is a must. Eastern Bakery is the best EVER! Everyone should stop in and try their steamed pork buns or their AMAZING macaroons.

Like I said, we made many food stops. Next for lunch was a stop at Steps of Rome Cafe. I’d say the best place for Italian food. Whether it be a panini or classic lasagna….all I can say is NOM!

Yes, that is a truffle….and it was AMAZING! Thanks to Jo for sharing.

I tried a little off of everyone’s plate, but wasn’t too hungry when we arrived. So, my lunch was a little different…

Don’t judge.

Of course, after a short walk it was time for gelato. Yummy, yummy gelato. And Gelateria Naia is the place with the most yummy flavors. My gelato of choice was half roasted banana and half chocolate malt. Once again….NOM!

So, we grabbed gelato and walked to Washington Square Park to enjoy the art show.

Afterwards, lounging in the park sounded just right. Landry took that a little too far.

We also made a new furry friend. Meet Obi Wan. Such a friendly little guy.

Wakey, wakey eggs & bakey! Landry finally joins the land of the living.

Next random stop? Picking up an upright bass on Langton. I know, random. Loved the surroundings though.

Jo was even able to make his own mark on the wall. One single brush stroke.